Super Falcons begin WAFCON title defence against Malawi on Sunday

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Malawi on Sunday in Morocco as they seek a record-extending 11th continental title.

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The tournament, originally scheduled for March, will hold from July 26 to Aug. 16, with 16 teams competing for Africa’s women’s football title.

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Nigeria, the defending champions and Africa’s highest-ranked women’s national team, are drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.

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The Super Falcons will face Malawi in their opening match on July 27 before taking on Zambia on July 31 and Egypt on Aug. 4.

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Coach Justin Madugu has retained a blend of experienced and emerging players for the tournament as Nigeria seeks to maintain its dominance in African women’s football.

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Among the key players expected to feature are captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and forwards Asisat Oshoala, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi.

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Zambia are widely regarded as Nigeria’s strongest challengers in the group, with reigning BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Barbra Banda and striker Racheal Kundananji leading their attack.

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Nigeria defeated Zambia 5-0 in the quarter-finals of the previous WAFCON tournament.

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Egypt return to the competition after missing the last edition, while Malawi will make their debut at the expanded tournament.

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Madugu said the team remained focused in spite of Nigeria’s successful record in the competition.

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“We know every team now believes they can challenge Nigeria. We have to earn every victory through discipline, hard work and consistency,” he said.

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The tournament also serves as part of the qualification process for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the losing quarter-finalists will compete for two places in the intercontinental playoffs.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has also increased the tournament prize money.

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The winners will receive two million dollars, while the total prize fund has been increased to 5.8 million dollars, as each participating country will receive 150,000 dollars.

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Host nation Morocco, runners-up at the last edition, are among the favourites for the title under coach Jorge Vilda.

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South Africa, champions in 2022, and Ghana, who return after missing the previous edition, are also expected to challenge for honours.

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The competition will be played at five stadiums in Rabat and Casablanca.

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The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarter-finals, with the knockout stage scheduled to begin on Aug. 8.

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Nigeria has won 10 of the 13 editions of the competition since it was introduced in 1998 and will be aiming to extend that record in Morocco. (NAN)

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